Change of use application submitted for Southsea student accommodation

An application has been submitted to Portsmouth City Council to temporarily change the designation of a student housing development on Earlsdon Street in Southsea.

Currently only available as student accommodation, if approved, the application would see the building changed to Class ‘C1’ for three years. This would allow it to be used as a hotel, hostel, boarding or guest house, providing no significant element of care is provided.

This is the second student housing development to be the subject of a change of use application, the first seeks to use one-fifth of the rooms at Crown Place for different purposes.

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Collegiate, who own both developments, said it would prioritise student applications. The firm argue the change in designation is required due to a reduction in applications from abroad. International students have stayed away due to both Brexit and the pandemic.

Guidance from the University of Portsmouth advising international students to study online has compounded this issue.

Collegiate said: "Whilst the facility could operate at a lower occupancy, clearly there are significant cost implications associated with this which could put the business’ long-term viability at risk.

"It is also far preferable to see the building in full use rather than sitting empty for the upcoming academic year."

The council has said it will reach a decision on both applications by 20 September.

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